This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brita at Target for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
After a couple of weeks of putting my Brita stream to good use I decided it was time to get creative and put together a recipe or two inspired by my new kitchen essential. Obviously water had to be the main ingredient, so I brainstormed on favorite recipes of mine that featured water. Uh, lemonade obviously, especially with spring just around the corner. Next, fruit ice cubes. These are perfect for little (or big) ones that don't necessarily love the way water tastes and need a some incentive to get that daily intake quota. Throw them together and voila! Pretty, spring flavored goodness with fresh filtered water from the Brita Stream Pitcher.
To put it together, I started things off with the ice cubes. They're super simple to make, so little guys and girls can lend a hand. I wanted to keep the ice cube flavors in theme with the lemonade so I went for strawberry, basil and lemon ice cubes. Easy and flavorful with or without the lemonade. They definitely were a colorful touch to my water and they were actually really good, who knew?! The Brita Stream was kind of a lifesaver when it came to making these because of the controlled pour top. Easier to get the water in the tray and not on the counter with that little guy.
Fruit Ice Cubes
Silicone Ice Trays
Water
Sliced Fruit of Choice - I used Lemon, Strawberry and Basil
First slice up the fruit into bite sized pieces so they can fit easily into the trays.
Add the fruit slices and herbs. I alternated between flavors. Some with just one fruit and some with a mix of the two. I suggest keeping it simple instead of overpowering your taste buds.
Cover with water.
Freeze until solid. I went ahead and let them set overnight.
Pop them out of the tray and into your favorite drink for a little extra oomph!
Next: the lemonade. Since we had a pretty decent sized surplus of fresh basil in the house I wanted to incorporate it and knew that it would go great with the lemons. Although I still felt like something was missing; thus, the addition of strawberries. The three together are actually kind of amazing, and this belongs on your spring recipe list. It's ridiculously refreshing.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade (Yields 4 Servings)
4 Cups of Water
1/4 C White Sugar or 1/3 C of Honey
Juice of 1-2 lemons
Fresh basil
Strawberries, sliced
Lemon, sliced for garnish
In a small sauce pan, combine 1 cup of water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stir to dissolve sugar and then let cool.
In a pitcher, add the remaining water, lemon juice, and syrup. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add basil, sliced strawberries and lemons. Muddle together if desired.
Serve chilled with fruit ice cubes and spring sunshine.